Are you willing to work for an idea?
Your own? Probably yes.
But someone else’s? Hmm… that’s tough, right?

Hi, I’m Punny – and today I’ll tell you exactly why your test tasks should always be paid.

Your Ideas Are Beautiful

I love my ideas. Like, really love them. They’re cool, fun, wild.
Unfortunately, I’m terrible at getting people hyped about them.
And that makes me kinda sad. Maybe I’m boring. Maybe I’m just too weird.
But inside my head, there’s a whole universe of games, magic, and mischief.
I’m sure your imagination is just as amazing.

As kids, we used to build stick forts and sandcastles, we made school projects with glue and glitter and passion. No one said,

“Make me this clay figurine for a candy or get lost.”
We just created, together.
So what happened to us, grown-ups?
Where did the innocence go?

Welcome to Adulthood: Pay Up

The adult world demands money – for housing, food, transport, electricity, health, survival.
Seems normal… unless you come from a utopia where robots do all the work and you play video games all day.
Oops.

Kids can argue and still stay friends.
Adults? Nah. Arguments lead to ghosting, lawsuits, or worse – burnout.

Studios Run on Ideas

So, what is the digital world made of?
Ideas. Images. Stories. Symbols.
They don’t exist physically – they live in your phone, your screen, your mind.
Characters, streamers, books, games, YouTube shows, anime, K-pop idols – all of it is digital imagination.
And guess what? Humanity has learned how to monetize imagination.

Want to see my character?
Want to play my game?
Want to chat with me?
Pay first.

Studios are businesses that package and sell ideas. They gather investors, build a team, and offer something you want to experience.

They Need Artists (That's You)

Studios, like factories, need workers. In this case – artists.
They often hire based on soft skills and teach the technical stuff on the job.
That’s why rejection “due to hard skills” is sometimes just a cover.
You might not match their current style – or you might just not fit their team vibe.

Still, when a studio asks you for a free test task, even if you really want the job...
Don’t rush into it.
Here’s why:

The Free Test Task Trap

Start by doing your research.
Search for reviews from artists who’ve worked with them.
Red flags? Poor communication, vague feedback, unrealistic expectations, tight deadlines, no pay.
In short – they’re disorganized and broke.

Great studios hire top niche artists.
Smart business owners know:

“Work with professionals from day one.”
They don’t gamble on cheap labor. They hire names.
So build your name!
Promote your art, talk to people, invite them to your site, blog, YouTube, online store. Be seen.

Art is Subjective. And That’s Okay.

There’s no perfect style.
No ultimate rule that says “this is beautiful” and “this isn’t.”
Art is packaging. It’s tailored for different audiences.
There are style guides. There are mentors.
There’s an Art Lead who gives feedback.

Now think:
If a studio asks for a free test task, they’re telling you –

“We don’t have the budget to pay you.”
Even for 3 hours or 2 full days of work – plus electricity (thanks, mom).
And 99% of the time you’ll hear:
“Thanks, but you’re not the right fit. Good luck!”

Even a small fee – $20–$30 – shows respect for your time.

Artists Deserve Better

I know how hard it is to find stable art jobs.
I live this struggle every day.
That’s why I started my blog, my products, my projects.
I’m scared of attention, and not many people notice me… but I keep going.
Because every artist constantly hears:

“This is pretty.”
“This is not.”
And it hurts.

But I believe in us.

Come read our project – Witch’s Pie.
Let’s make the art world better, one spell at a time.